Celebrating 150 Years

July 17-20, 2008

What started 150 years ago continues to be THE summer event for Taylor County, Iowa. A group of citizens gathered to organize an Agricultural Society in Bedford, IA. A constitution and by-laws were drafted and in October of 1857,  stock was issued. In 1865, a delegate was selected to meet with the State Agricultural Society in Des Moines. The Taylor County Fair had officially begun.

In 1866 Harness Racing was featured for the first time, and people from all walks of life walked, rode horseback, came in teams & wagons, or by rail to attend this grand event for one day of excitement. Harness racing continues to be conducted at the Taylor County Fairgrounds in Bedford. Our track has been known as the best harness track in southwest Iowa since 1876 and one of the best of five tracks in Iowa. Many of the harness horses, owners, trainers and breeders of Taylor County have been inducted into the Iowa's Racing Hall of Fame.

The 1866 Taylor County Fair had 70 exhibits judged, and an unbelievable sum of $43.75 in premiums given. County Fairs are rooted in agriculture since their inception, and continued to thrive with the beginning of 4-H in the 1920's.

Our fair today continues the agricultural tradition through 4-H and FFA with great grandparents, grandparents and parents watching their youngsters show in the same show ring they had shown in. Over the years we've watched dare devil shows featuring Jimmy Lynch and his Death Dodgers, Joey Chitwood and Troupe, Ruth Law, Aviatrix. Names that have graced our stage include Sonny James, LeRoy Van Dyke, Louise Mandrell & R.C. Bannon, Roy Drusky, Billy Walker and other notables. Every year finds our committees working to make our fair more exciting and entertaining, with sons and daughters working with dads and moms, and grandmas and grandpas. What a great group of volunteers, now preparing for our 150th celebration in 2007 for the Taylor County Fair.

It's not only a tradition, it's "150 years of FAMILY REUNIONS."